Latvia to Finalize Delivery of First Multi-role Radar This Week

The National Armed Forces of Latvia will finalize the delivery of the first Multi-role radar TPS-77 MRR by testing its air surveillance capabilities this week.

“Acquisition of TPS-77 MRR is a huge investment in the strengthening of combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, enabling Latvian army to address the current security challenges with appropriate response tools. Surveillance, especially low-level flight surveillance and identification is a vital part of Latvian airspace surveillance capabilities. New MRR technology is compatible with other types of radars used by other countries,” the Minister for Defence Raimonds Bergmanis said in a statement Thursday. 

As reported earlier, in autumn 2015, Minister for Defence Raimonds Bergmanis and Greg Larioni, Vice-President of US company Lockheed Martin, signed contract for production of three TPS-77 MRR units. 

The TPS-77 MRR is designed for ultra-low power consumption and is transportable version of Lockheed Martin’s TPS-77 product line. Latvia variant of this high-performing radar can be truck mounted for operation at unprepared sites or dismounted for use at fixed sites. 

The radar’s multi-role single scan technology allows operators to select specific roles for the radar such as long range or medium range low-level flight surveillance in specific sectors. As the radar rotates through each 360 degree scan, the system automatically adjusts to the operator selected mission. Changes can be easily made. Once set, no further operator inputs are required. 

As with current production TPS-77s and other next generation Lockheed Martin radars, the TPS-77 MRR uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in its design. The GaN technology has already been installed and tested in operational radars. Utilizing GaN, the radars’ high power amplifiers consume much less power, ultimately increasing reliability, lowering life-cycle costs and extending the useful life of the radar. The Latvia TPS-77 MRRs will be delivered with a complete suite of GaN technology. 

New radar complies with all relevant safety requirements adopted by Latvia. There are already three Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 radars in Latvia, positioned in Čalas, Lielvārde and Audriņi surveillance radar stations of National Armed Forces.